The Halton Region Health Department is eyeing changes to the way it delivers mental health services in Halton schools.

It’s looking to shift funding and resources that support individuals in schools experiencing mental health issues to enhance early years mental health promotion.

Halton Medical Officer of Health Dr. Hamidah Meghani told Halton Region’s health and social services committee members Tuesday (Oct. 4) the mental health programs and services it delivers to schools comes in two parts; mental health promotion that’s mandated by the Ontario Public Health Standards and funded by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care and individual mental health services the Health Department has been providing for a number of years through public health nurses. Continue reading →

People with obsessive-compulsive disorder, or OCD, suffer from unwanted and intrusive thoughts that they can’t seem to get out of their heads, called obsessions, which often compel them to perform ritualistic behaviors and routines, or compulsions, over and over to try to ease their anxiety. Children and teens may not realize they have it — and parents and educators often misunderstand or misdiagnose the condition. Continue reading →

Survey of 25,000 students found rise in rates of anxiety, depression and suicide attempts

Ontario colleges and universities are facing a mental health crisis as campus counsellors are overwhelmed by the growing need for services, according to a new study from the provincial association that represents heath service providers on campuses. Continue reading →